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The King’s man has ‘Left the building’

The King’s man has ‘left the building’

I woke up today to hear that Paul McLeod, owner of Graceland Too in Holly Springs, MS, had shot and killed someone breaking into his home on July 15. A couple hours later McLeod was reported to have died of natural causes this morning (July 17).

I’m saddened to hear of his passing. Graceland Too is the sum total of a man who devoted his life to Elvis Presley. Floor to ceiling Elvis memorabilia covered his two-story home in Holly Springs. It was a poplar tourism spot to visit in the wee hours of the morning, especially for college students. The best time to visit was between 11 pm and 4 am and listen to an over-caffeinated McLeod share his collection and Elvis stories. Three visits made you a lifetime member, which meant you didn’t have to pay the $5 fee he charged first and second time visitors. I was one visit away from joining the hallway of polaroids featuring the life-timers who donned the aviators, leather jacket and struck an Elvis pose.

McLeod was certainly a character. At times one had wonder which was the more interesting aspect of Graceland Too, him or the collection. It was an unfortunate end to a unique life. My thoughts and prayers are with the family as they deal with the fallout of this tragedy.

These photos come from an assignment I did in 2011 for The Commercial Appeal.